The Falkland Islands

If Falklands Islands vacations were easier to get to I have no doubt they would receive significantly more visitors each year. For birders in particular the islands are a fantastic destination: there are 227 recorded species here, with 59 regular breeders and two endemics to cross off the life list, including the Falkland steamer duck.

The change to see up to five of the world’s penguin species is also a major drawcard. Gentoo, magellanic, rockhopper, macaroni and king penguins are all found here. The chance to see groups of resplendent kings marching along empty white beaches is unique to the Falkland Islands and makes for truly great photo opportunities. Whales and dolphins are a common sight offshore and there's always the chance of seeing lazing sealions or giant elephant seals hauled up on the beaches, 

What makes the Falklands wildlife so special is how accessible it is. Many species have no fear of people and it’s far from uncommon for the patient observer to be approached by a curious penguin or inquisitive caracara, making for some unforgettable wildlife encounters during Falkland Islands cruises.

The Falkland Islands have a long and frequently contested history. The unoccupied islands were first claimed by the British in the mid-18th century, but France and Spain both looked to exert their claims to the islands at different times. To this day the islanders remain fiercely loyal to the British crown, but Argentina has consistently maintained a claim to sovereignty to the islands that they continue to this day. In Spanish the islands are known as Las Malvinas.

In the middle of the 19th century Stanley was briefly one of the world’s ports as a stopping point on the trade routes between the Atlantic and Pacific around Cape Horn. At different times the islands made their living from whaling and sheep farming in relative obscurity until the 1982 war thrust them into the world spotlight.

While peace has long returned to these sleepy islands, vestiges of that time are still visible and many islanders still have their stories from the war – while having their faces set firmly to the future.

Which exact locations you visit in your cruise to the Falkland Islands depends on the weather, season and ship itinerary, making it impossible to guarantee where you’ll land. The only exception to this is Stanley: except under unusual circumstances ships will call in here for essential immigration checks.

From the extraordinary black-browed albatross colonies at West Point and New Island, there are some amazing places to see seabirds. For penguins, Carcass Island is famous for its magellanic colony, while there is the chance of seeing four species in one landing at Saunders Island. Bleaker Island is noted for its rockhoppers and sealions.

Taking a break from the wildlife, Stanley is a fascinating place to explore with its history, beautiful cathedral and traditional British pubs, as well as offering the chance to see shipwreck and visit nearby Gypsy Cove with its magellanic penguins.

The visiting season for the Falkland Islands corresponds with the austral summer, runs through the austral summer months from the end of October to late March. The islands have a cold maritime climate, although it is far milder when compared to Antarctic temperatures.

Visiting at this time you can expect to see flowers in bloom such as the bright yellows of the island’s iconic gorse. This is also the time when animals breed, so depending on when you visit you have the chance to see penguins chicks, albatrosses on the nest or baby sealions.

Daytime temperatures during the summer season are typically around 50–55ºF (10-13ºC). Within this there can be tremendous variation, from light snow flurries to sunny days when a t-shirt is all you need. The only truly constant factor is the weather’s unpredictability.

The Falkland Islands are typically visited as part of a longer cruise visiting South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula. These are once-in-a-lifetime trips so finding the right voyage is crucial, so you'll want to carefully consider both the itinerary and the type of ship as well as your travel dates.

• Itinerary Voyages typically spend between two days in the Falkland Islands as a warm up for South Georgia and Antarctica. The trips generally last between 16-20 days depending on the ship. A smaller number of itineraries concentrate on just the Falkland Islands and South Georgia, giving you more time to enjoy these destinations.
• Ship type Given the amount of time you’ll be spending on the Southern Ocean, carefully choosing the right ship pays real dividends. For longer trips, it's definitely worth considering a little extra room when booking your cabin; balconies are an option on many ships. Larger ships can give more space, but smaller ships can mean more opportunities for landings and zodiac cruises.
• Flights It is possible to fly to the Falkland Islands, so a few operators offer fly-sail cruises where you can join the ship in Stanley. These can be a great option for those looking to reduce their time at sea.